Bong County’s electoral district #7 Representative, Foday Fahnbulleh, has written the plenary of the House of Representatives over the pollution of St. Paul River in Fuamah and Sanoyea, district #7, Bong County, by local miners.
The Bong County lawmaker told his colleagues on Thursday, April 18, 2024 through his communication in open session that the pollution of the river in his district is causing serious health hazard for residents of the district.
“Honorable Speaker and colleagues, I wish to inform you about the distressing situation regarding the on-going pollution and mining activities on the St. Paul River. These activities have had a devastating impact on the residents of Fuamah and Sanoyea, who are facing numerous challenges as a result of it. The pollution and mining activities on the St. Paul River have led to severe environmental degradation, posing grave threats to the health and livelihood of the affected residents.”
Representative Fahnbulleh said the water, which is a vital resource for the local communities, has become contaminated, thus affecting citizens’ ability to access clean and safe-drinking water.
According to him, the pollution is causing disruption to the fragile ecosystems, jeopardizing the biodiversity and sustainability of the area.
“In light of these grave concerns, Honorable Speaker, I kindly request your assistance in summoning the presence of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ministry of Mines and Energy before the House of Representatives to share detailed information regarding the impact of the on-going mining activities,” Representative Fahbulleh’s communication noted.
Following the reading of the Bong County district#7 lawmaker’s communication, plenary, through a motion,forwarded the letter to the Committees on Mine and Energy and Health to investigate the claim and report back to plenary in two weeks.